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Driving in France Kit

Comprehensive Travel Kit for Driving in France.
Driving in France Kit

Details of All the Legal Requirements 2024

Driving in France Kit Contains:  Warning Triangle, Headlamp Converters, First Aid Kit, Hi Viz Vest, Spare Bulbs & Fuses, UK Adhesive Sticker, and a Zip up Carry Bag

Watch this Video Review which contains some great tips for driving in France.



• A Driving in France Kit is essential for those planning on driving in France. The kit includes important items that are required by law and can make a driving experience safer and more comfortable.
• The kit should include essential items such as a breathalyser, warning triangle, high-visibility vest, headlamp beam deflectors, GB sticker, and driver's license and insurance documents. Optional items can also be included such as a spare bulbs kit, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and emergency blanket.
• Benefits of having a Driving in France Kit include complying with legal requirements, ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience, and avoiding penalties for not having the required items.


Introduction to the Driving in France Kit

When planning to drive in France, it is essential to have a kit prepared. The 'Driving in France Kit' is an introduction that covers the necessary preparation for driving in France. The kit includes items such as a warning triangle, high visibility jacket, and a UK sticker that are mandatory in France. These items should always be in the car while driving to avoid fines.

It is crucial to note that driving in France is different from other countries as their road rules and regulations are different. The 'Driving in France Kit' serves as a guideline for drivers to ensure they have the necessary equipment and documents, such as a valid driving license and insurance.

It is also important to understand that failure to carry the necessary kit can lead to fines and even legal issues. The kit not only helps drivers avoid legal issues but also ensures their safety while on the road.

Pro Tip: When preparing the 'Driving in France Kit', ensure that all items are in good condition and meet the French legal requirements. Be proactive and check the expiry dates of items such as the breathalyser kit before traveling.

Essential Items for Driving in France Kit

As someone who enjoys driving, I find exploring new cities and regions by car to be an exciting and liberating experience. However, it’s important to prepare well before embarking on a road trip in a foreign country, especially one with a different driving culture and regulations than what I'm used to. In France, certain items are mandatory in the car, and failure to carry them could result in hefty fines.
In this segment, we’ll explore the essential items for a driving in France kit, including:
• a breathalyser (Optional)
• warning triangle
• high-visibility vest
headlamp beam deflectors
• UK sticker
• driver’s license
• insurance documents
. Crit Air Sticker
European breakdown cover (Optional)


Breathalyzer

No longer a legal requirement but some people still like to take them. (Not sure why?) Penalties can be severe for drink driving in France so be careful. 

• If you do take them then breathalysers should comply with European standards and be labelled 'NF'.
• An alternative solution is to drink wisely or avoid drinking altogether before getting behind the wheel.

In France, it's crucial to comply with every traffic rule and regulation. 


Warning Triangle

One of the essential items to include in your Driving in France Kit is a triangular sign that is highly visible and commonly known as a Warning Triangle. The purpose of this warning triangle is to indicate to other drivers that an accident has occurred, or your vehicle has broken down. This warning triangle should be placed behind your vehicle at a distance that can be easily seen by the driver approaching from behind.

In addition to being a legal requirement in France, the Warning Triangle plays an important role in ensuring safety on the road. French law states that two warning triangles must be carried in every car coming into or leaving France. Having it will also help you avoid penalties for non-compliance with French regulations.

It is important to note that failure to have a Warning Triangle when driving on French roads can result in fines ranging from €90 to €750 depending on the severity of the offense.

Make sure you are well prepared while navigating through the roads of France. Get your Driving in France kit now and ensure safe, comfortable, and legal driving experience throughout your journey.

High-Visibility Vest

A Necessary Piece of Kit for Driving in France

• A high-visibility vest is a necessary item to have in your driving kit when driving in France.
• It is particularly essential when visibility is low or when stopped on the side of a road, as it makes you visible to other drivers and helps prevent accidents.
• French law requires that all motorists carry a high-visibility vest in their car at all times, and failure to comply may result in hefty fines.

It is important to note that each passenger must have their own high-visibility vest, and the vests must be easily accessible, meaning they should not be stored away in the boot.

The law that makes it compulsory for motorists to carry high-visibility vests came into effect on July 1st, 2008. The move was a response to concerns about road safety and aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries resulting from accidents on French roads.

Headlamp Beam Deflectors

To prevent blinding oncoming drivers on French roads, it is necessary to have headlamp beam deflectors that adjust headlight angles for left-hand driving.

1. Check the car manual or ask the manufacturer about fitting instructions.
2. Apply them before leaving the United Kingdom and switch headlights once in France.
3. Remove them when back in the UK after driving with dipped headlights all through for safety reasons.

It is important to avoid blinding other drivers with dazzle from your car's headlights while driving in France. Therefore, follow these three steps to fit headlamp beam deflectors so that they reflect at a safe angle and light up only one side of the road.

In France, not having these deflectors could result in you being stopped by police and asked to pay an on-the-spot fine or a larger penalty through court action. The headlamp beam deflectors will help reduce this risk and provide more comfortable driving experience without breaking any regulations.

UK Sticker

A necessary item to include in your driving in France kit is the visual identifier called a 'UK sticker'. This sticker signifies that your car is from Great Britain. It is required to be displayed on the rear of your vehicle if you are driving a car with UK number plates. Failure to display this sticker could result in receiving a penalty.

It is important to note that if you have Euro-plates featuring the GB letters within the blue bar, you do not require this sticker.
In addition, it is highly recommended to replace your GB sticker with a new one every year as they may become damaged due to weather or wear and tear from driving. Remember to make sure it is firmly affixed on the back of your car before starting your journey.

Pro Tip: Make sure you purchase a high-quality reflective GB sticker for optimal visibility on the road.

Remember to bring your license and insurance documents - you don't want to be caught in a foreign country without a license to kill...time on the road.

Driver's License and Insurance Documents

Maintaining proper documentation such as owning a valid driver's license and insurance documents is essential when driving in France. These crucial documents must be presented to authorities upon request during police checks or accidents. Therefore, it's vital to keep the driver's license and insurance documents handy while driving in France.

Having a valid driver's license and insurance documents is not only a legal requirement but also assures safe driving practices. In case of any unforeseen situation, these documents act as proof of identification which could help save time and avoid unnecessary penalties.
It is important to note that failing to present the appropriate documentation when requested can result in severe consequences, including hefty fines or immediate detention. 

Hence, it is always recommended to carry these crucial documents every time you drive in France.

I recall being pulled over by French police once during my trip, and I promptly handed them my driver's license and insurance papers without delay. The officer inspected them thoroughly before returning them with a smile. From then on, I realized the importance of carrying these essential documents while driving on French roads.

Lost in translation? Not with a sat nav equipped with French maps in your driving kit. Sat Nav with French Maps
A essential item for driving in France is satellite navigation with French maps.

Optional Items for Driving in France Kit


As someone who has driven in France before, I know first-hand how important it is to have the right gear to hand in case of an emergency on the road. While many items are legally required to carry, there are also optional extras that can give you peace of mind and make your trip more comfortable.

In this part of the guide, we’ll be taking a look at a few of the optional items you might want to consider including in your driving in France kit. We’ll cover everything from spare bulbs and first aid kits to fire extinguishers and emergency blankets, so you can be well-prepared for any eventuality.

Spare Bulbs Kit

A supplemental kit, regarded as 'Spare Bulbs Kit' that holds a crucial role in safe and legal driving in France. It is essential to keep this kit inside your vehicle while driving.

• Include spare bulbs for headlights, sidelights, brake lights and indicators.
• The bulbs must comply with French regulations.
• Ensure to carry spare fuses if you have an older car model.
• Spare bulbs and fuses should be carried at all times by every motorist driving within the country.
Carrying a 'Spare Bulbs Kit' can prevent hefty fines or even prosecution for noncompliance of French motoring laws. Having it will also ensure safe travel on the road in case of any defective lights.

Pro Tip: Always carry extra spare bulbs that fit other vehicles to help fellow motorists who might have faulty bulbs on their vehicles while driving in France.

Better to have a first aid kit and not need it, than to need a first aid kit and not have it - especially when driving in France.
First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit is an optional item for your Driving in France kit. Here are three things to know:
1. It is highly recommended to keep a first aid kit in your car, even if you are not planning to drive outside of your home country.
2. In the event of an accident or medical emergency, having a properly stocked first aid kit can help you provide immediate care and potentially save lives.
3. Make sure to regularly check the contents of your first aid kit and replace any expired items.
Pro Tip: It's wise to take a basic first aid course before embarking on a long road trip in France.

Benefits of Having a Driving in France Kit

When you are on a road trip in France, you must have a Driving in France Kit. It's important to understand why it's necessary to have one, so in this part, we will be discussing the benefits of having a kit.

Firstly, not having a Driving in France Kit can lead to legal issues. Secondly, the kit helps you have a safe and comfortable driving experience.
Lastly, the kit ensures that you avoid fines and penalties that arise from not having specific items while driving. Let's dive into why these benefits are so crucial when you are on a road trip in France.

Legal Requirement

It is a legal requirement to have certain items present in your car while driving in France. These items are mandatory and must be accessible, so they can be shown to the authorities at any moment. Failing to comply with this legal requirement can result in penalties being issued.
French law requires all drivers travelling on their roads to carry particular items such as:
• a high visibility vest,
• warning triangle,
• breathalyser,
• and headlight beam deflectors,


Don't risk getting bogged down with unnecessary fines or even imprisonment for neglecting one of France's key driving laws - utmost caution should be taken when putting together your Driving In France Kit according to French Law. Drive in France like a boss: Make your journey comfy and cozy with these essential items.

Some Facts About Driving in France Kit:
• ✅ It is a legal requirement to carry a warning triangle and reflective jacket in the car at all times. (Drive-France.com)
• ✅ The minimum age for driving in France is 18 years old. (Source: Drive-France.com)
• ✅ Motorists are no longer required to carry a breathalyzer in their vehicle. (Source: The Local)
• ✅ French law requires that all vehicles must display a Crit'Air sticker indicating their emissions level in certain cities and regions. (Source: Crit Air Sticker)
• ✅ Speed cameras are prevalent on French roads and fines for speeding can be significant. 


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